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Pro-Life Groups Horrified by Morgentaler's Appointment to the Order of Canada

"Deeply troubled" by reports that the decision was made despite a divided advisory board

By Tim Waggoner

OTTAWA, July 2, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Canada's most prominent pro-life groups say that they are horrified that a man who is not only personally responsible for the elimination of Canada's abortion law, but also for the death of over 100,000 unborn babies, has been presented with Canada's highest civic award. 

In particular, fingers are being pointed at Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin's rumoured decision to award the Order of Canada to the abortionist despite there being a divided advisory board.

"If Morgentaler had any integrity he would refuse the medal," said Mary Ellen Douglas, National Organizer of Campaign Life Coalition. "This presentation should be given to people who have made Canada a better place to live and the elimination of thousands of human beings who would have contributed to the future of Canada is a disgrace, not an honour."

The Canadian Organization for Life and Family (COLF) is calling for the immediate repeal of the decision: "Canada has its heroes, and they deserve to be recognized; however, it is neither heroic nor admirable to cause the death of unborn children, the most vulnerable of all Canadians. COLF therefore urges the Harper Government to take the necessary action to ensure that the Order of Canada is revoked from Dr. Morgentaler."

Various reports say that Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin, head of the Canadian Supreme Court and the Order of Canada advisory council, made the decision to award Morgentaler amidst dissension in the advisory council. Under normal circumstances a unanimous vote is needed by the council to award the Order of Canada to a nominee.
 
"Rumor has it that the committee which chose to venerate Morgentaler failed to achieve the normally required unanimity and, if so, resorted to overriding the dissent by opting for the brute force of a majority vote. The Canadian system of honours should be a nation-unifying institution, not a focus of strife and a vulnerable target for political manipulation," said Dr. Will Johnston, President of Canadian Physicians for life,

Catholic Civil Rights League Executive Director Joanne McGarry also commented on the alleged controversial actions of McLachlin: "We are also deeply troubled by reports that normal procedures - including the unanimous agreement of the committee - were bypassed, as well as the wishes of countless Canadians. For example, an online poll by the Globe and Mail, with over 300,000 respondents, went 92% to 8% against giving the award to Morgentaler."

"The award was meant to be a celebration of good works in which all Canada could wholeheartedly share. A career reviled by millions as spent in the service of death is the wrong subject matter for such an accolade," concluded Dr. Johnston.

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